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HRW urges EU to use GSP+ to pressure SL on human rights
BY SANATH NANAYAKKARE
Two senior officials from Human Rights Watch (HRW) have urged a review ofSri Lanka’s EU GSP+ facilities to pressure Colombo on human rights. Lotte Leicht, EU Director of HRW and Meenakshi Ganguly, its South Asia Director, last week wrote to the EU expressing deep concern about “worsening human rights” here jeopardizing GSP+ facilities.They have urged the European Commission to state publicly that Sri Lanka’sgovernment is in breach of its human rights obligations under the GSP+ scheme, and to set clear, specific benchmarks for action, with short and transparent timelines for implementation, in order for Sri Lanka to keep its GSP+ benefits.They have said that GSP+ is a powerful EU tool to advance the respect for human rights as laid down in international law and to preserve civic space in Sri Lanka and urgedthem to make effective use of this tool at this ‘critical’ time.
They have alleged that the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government has harshly reversed the modest human rights improvements noted in the Commission’s previous report.While calling this an an ‘alarming’ situation, they have said UN HighCommissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has so assessed the situationseveral times and most recently in her update to the Human RightsCouncil on September 1.They have also called for imposing targeted sanctions on individuals implicated in grave violations in Sri Lanka as provided for by the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
The European Union is in an unparalleled position to help avert this growing crisis and we stand ready to discuss this further with you at any time.” they have said.
President To Lam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, accompanied by a delegation of 209 members arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday (07) night on a state visit.
It has been reported quoting the Police, that former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines, Kapila Chandrasena, has been found dead under suspicious circumstances at a residence in Colpetty.
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Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 07 May 2026, valid for 08 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note: In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam arrives in Sri Lanka on State Visit
Former SriLankan Aorlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena found dead
Fast bowling riches in focus as Bangladesh and Pakistan switch to Test mode
Iran says it attacked US Navy ships after they targeted Iranian tanker
Heat index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ in the Sabaragamuwa, Northern, North-central, North-western, Eastern provinces and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts during the daytime
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
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